To ensure that your router is properly configured to optimize Wi-Fi connectivity in your home that works with Sense and similar IoT devices, please consider these steps.
STEP 1
First, make sure you have a relatively recent router operating in your home. Router technology improves regularly, so if your router is more than 5 years old, you should replace it with an updated model. You can do this via your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or by purchasing and installing a router yourself. If your home uses a lot of smart devices, your router should likely be no more than 2-3 years old.
A router includes many settings that you may need to adjust. This can be done by logging in to your router, ideally using its associated app. If you need help, you can Google your router’s make and model for instructions on how to login.
STEP 2
Ensure your router is pointing your Sense to the proper network bandwidth. Modern routers and mesh networks are often dual-bandwidth, covering both 2.4gHz and 5.0gHz frequencies, so it is essential that you configure your router to accomplish this split.
Sense uses the legacy Wi-Fi bandwidth (2.4gHz) that transmits data collected over a greater range. It will not see anything on the 5.0gHz band, as that targets speed over range and is useful for applications that need to download or stream large amounts of data.
- Make sure your network uses the 2.4gHz band. Give the band a unique network name (SSID) to ensure that Sense only targets channels on that band.
- If you have trouble with your main network, try a dedicated 2.4gHz guest network.
- If your router supports auto-channel selection, enable that, as auto-channel selection will ensure your router uses the best 2.4gHz channel available based on traffic.
- Otherwise, configure your Sense to one of the 2.4gHz channels: 1, 6, or 11.
Not all routers or access points broadcast to the 2.4gHz band, so be sure the one in range of your Sense does.
STEP 3
Ensure optimal signal strength. Signal strength between Sense and your router is best between -35 dBm (strongest) to -65 dBm (weakest). This is usually available if the router (or wireless access point) is between 5’ and 20’ of your Sense, though many homes have perfectly good strength at greater distances if there’s not a lot of other interference. Think of this as if you’re listening to music. You don’t want your head next to the speaker and you don’t want to be 3 rooms away.
If the signal strength is poor, Sense may send an error message or you may have intermittent connection issues. You might be able to improve signal strength simply by relocating your router closer to the Sense system. Proximity between the nearest network access point (AP) and Sense is the best place to start to make improvements.
NOTE: Rarely, a router may be too close to the Sense system (less than 5 feet), so that signal strength becomes too strong, in which case you’d want to move it a bit farther away.
But distance between Sense and your router is not the sole determining factor for signal strength. Bandwidth, interference, and a router’s capability may also influence your home’s Wi-Fi success.
You might need to install a Wi-Fi booster/extender or to add to or modify your existing access points (#4 below). See this article for a brief discussion of different methods for improving Wi-Fi signal strength. Or contact your internet service provider for help. Upgrading your Wi-Fi system will likely improve the performance of many devices in your home in addition to your Sense system.
STEP 4
Ensure that WPA2 encryption is selected for your network.
- Sense is not compatible with encryption options WPA2/WPA3 or WPA3.
Finally, to ensure your data remains secure, we also ask that you explicitly grant permission for us to look into your home's data. Apologies if we have asked you this already, but it is important we be absolutely sure that you have granted us permission to look into your home's private data.
If none of this helps, we recommend you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).